THE BIG PICTURE: The blown exhaust systems are back. That issue is now closed. The only rule which remains changed is the same engine mapping system must be used for qualifying and the race. Yet, McLaren and Ferrari continue to catch up to Red Bull. Are we really in for an intriguing second half of the season?

EVENT: Will Nurburgring survive the economic strains of Formula 1?

QUALIFYING: Sebastian Vettel's first row starting streak was bound to end. But, to have it end in his home Grand Prix has got to sting.

RACE: Fabulous stuff!

TRACK: Still yearning for the old Nordschleife.

START: Webber managed to waste his pole position (shock face!), Hamilton was on his way to victory, Kobayashi rockets through, and amazing no one touched anyone in that tight, tight first turn.

HAMILTON: Did the team pick it up because of the fear of losing Lewis, or did Lewis show the other teams why they should hire him away from McLaren?

BUTTON: Jenson is getting the short end of the mechanical stick lately.

MCLAREN: So much for that "sack Whitmarsh" talk...

ALONSO: Quite a battle he put on with his old nemesis.

MASSA: So, Felipe finally does his job taking points away from Red Bull for his teammate's sake by keeping Vettel behind him, only to have his team allow Vettel to pass.

FERRARI: Like last year, just when they were about to concentrate on next year's car, they are now full speed ahead with the rest of this season.

ROSBERG: The number one driver on the team, Nico continues to lead the pace in qualifying and the race.

SCHUMACHER: While the number two driver continues to make driving mistakes. If his name wasn't Michael Schumacher, everyone would be wondering when he will be replaced...

MERCEDES: When will they replace their number two driver for someone who can score more points?

KOBAYASHI: Went from 18th starting spot to ninth. This time he did it with a great start and having lots of new tires saved up for not making it out of the first qualifying session.

PETROV: We think there are a lot of mad drivers at the Mad Russian.

HEIDFELD: Just where did you think you were going to fit, Nick?

WORD OF THE WEEKEND: Impressive.

STAT OF THE WEEKEND: >0 -- Lewis Hamilton finally scores more than zero points at the Nurburgring.

HISTORICAL STAT OF THE WEEKEND: Jackie Stewart has the most German Grand Prix wins for a British driver with three (1968, 1971, 1973), all at the old Nurburgring circuit, which Stewart hated.

QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND: Lewis Hamilton showing his excitement after winning, "One of the best races I think I've ever done."

QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND RUNNERUP: Unlike the reaction of McLaren after the British Grand Prix, Red Bull boss Christian Horner said after Germany, "We can push forward the development program but we are not panicking because of two races without a win."

SCHEDULE: No break as they head to Hungary, with fans eagerly waiting to see if F1 control truly has shifted.